I realize this is not typical of what graces this space, but having been an avid hiker/backpacker since grade school, I felt I should share my knowledge of some of Michigan's top hiking opportunities. What follows are 10 of the state's best day hikes, most are in the Upper Peninsula where the hiking is, well, superior. I became familiar with some of the U.P.'s best trails during my three years at the Daily Mining Gazette in Houghton in the 1990s.

1. North Country Trail/Porcupine Mountains waterfall hike, Bessemer -- How does averaging one waterfall per mile sound? It's nearly possible on this 11-mile trek where the Black and Presque Isle Rivers run parallel to each other roughly four miles apart in the Western U.P. before emptying into Lake Superior. You'll start on the North Country trail just north of Bessemer as it follows the Black River and hit seven waterfalls before it meets Lake Superior. At that point, you can hop on a four-mile trail that connects the Black River with the Presque Isle River which forms the western boundry of Porcupine Mountains State Park. On a trail following that river, you'll encounter three more cascades before again reaching Lake Superior.

2. Chapel Loop, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Munising -- This 6.5-mile loop takes you past one of the state's top waterfalls (Chapel Falls) and to one of Michigan's most scenic beaches (Chapel Beach). Across the beach, you'll find the continuation of the loop which takes you back to the parking area. The return trip offers a great view through the trees from high above Chapel Lake.

3. Escarpment Trial, Porcupine Mountains, Ontonagon -- The four-mile, one-way trial hugs the ridge above one of the state's most popular scenic sites -- Lake of the Clouds -- offering amazing views of that lake on one side and Lake Superior on the other.

4. Tahquamenon Falls, Paradise -- Perhaps Michigan's best river hike. The 4.5-mile, one-way trail takes you from the Upper Falls to the Lower Falls along the Tahquamenon River. It's a rolling path that takes you to river level and back up several times.

5. McCormick Wilderness, Michigamme -- If you want solitude, this is your hike. Buried in a remote area roughly 30 miles northwest of Marquette, the area has few developed trails and plenty of unspoiled wilderness. A three-mile, one-way trail takes you from the parking lot to White Deer Lake and features towering rock formations. You can walk along the shore of that lake and adjoining Bulldog Lake for more adventure. The North Country trail runs along the southern edge of the McCormick and can also be accessed from the parking lot.

6. Summitt Peak, Porcupine Mountains -- It's a steep 800-meter trip to a 40-foot observation tower atop the park's highest point where you see into Wisconsin on a clear day. There are several trail options from there that take you into the park's interior, a hot spot for black bear.

7. Sturgeon Falls, Sidnaw -- A challenging one-mile trail takes you into a deep canyon to the falls, a powerful blast of 30 feet. The area is a hot spot for rock climbers and you can also access the North Country Trail from the parking area.

8. Dunes Trail, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Empire -- Only 4.5-miles round trip, but a very challenging trek up and down steep sand dunes on the way to Lake Michigan. Few people who pull into the parking make it all the way back to the lake, but it's well worth the effort. Great view of Glen Lake from the top of the first dune.

9. South Manitou Island, Sleeping Bear Dunes -- A 90-minute boat trip from Leland takes you to a place with many miles of trails, scenic beaches and prime camping spots. Great for those who prefer more primitive camping.

10. Highbanks Trail, Oscoda -- A seven-mile one-way path that offers tremendous views of the AuSable River. There are places to follow hundreds of steps down to the river's edge.